As the weather turns from winters harshness to more springs mild sun, many Bandon residents are starting their work in the Good Earth Community Garden. Nestled in a residential neighborhood, it’s not in plain view of the town, but the garden and the organization have had quite an impact.

The purposes of the Good Earth Community Garden are many. First, it provides an organic gardening space for community members who may not have proper space for gardening. Pesticides and herbicides are not allowed, so gardeners can be assured that their veggies will be free of these chemicals. The garden encourages gardeners through their many tips, tricks, and inspirations on their Facebook page and through free gardening classes.

These classes are offered year-round and cover a wide variety of topics from starting seeds inside to beneficial insects to gardening on the coast. Gardening expert Jennifer Ewing has been teaching these workshops, typically held in the garden or at the Bandon Community Youth Center, since 2015.

The community garden is located at the end of 8^th Court SW in Bandon on a parcel of land that was unbuildable due to its location on a water main. The city provided the parcel to the community garden, and construction began in 2009. Through generous donations of money, supplies, skills and time from the Ford Institute Leadership Program, Willamette Graystone, Liza Ehle, By-The-Sea-Gardens, contractor Ralph Leshin, Bandon High School students and teacher Trent Hatfield, Belloni Boys Ranch, and countless volunteers, the garden opened in 2010. Construction has continued since, and the garden now boasts 41 4×12 garden spaces, some of which are built higher to accommodate physically challenged gardeners.

Applications for garden plots come out each year around the first of February, and plots are available until they are gone. Applications are $35 for Good Earth Community Garden membership, money well-spent for having access to your own, organically grown vegetables!

Brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, etc.), leafy greens, cucumbers, squash, and more practically beg to be taken home, planted, and nurtured. And, despite naysayers declarations that tomatoes are impossible to grow on the coast, the right types in the right conditions will flourish.

There are many ways to get involved in Bandon’s community, and the Good Earth Community Garden is one way to dig in and get your hands dirty while enjoying good food and supporting a great cause!

For more information about the Good Earth Community Garden, visit their Facebook page, email bandongoodearth@email.com, or call 5411-808-1813. Garden on!